While these lackluster mini-games are no hidden-object puzzle or "make your own tea" chemistry set (as seen in Laytons 1 and 2), Unwound Future still has a solid set of puzzles for its main adventure, and the story itself is very engaging.

Professor Layton and the Lost Future takes the core functionality of the previous two outings, expands on it considerably, wraps up the storyline in the most gripping fashion possible and heaps plenty of extras on top for good measure. This is most definitely the superlative entry in the Layton series so far.

With each installment of the franchise, I grow to adore Professor Layton and Luke and their delightful world all the more. All while sharpening my intellect. In the (hopefully wound) future, I doubt Level 5 will modify the formula any more heavily than they already have, and for once, that's fine by me.

Waiting for the fourth, promising episode, Unwound Future delivers hours of entertaining puzzles, easily the best designed in the series, and an involving narration that mixes the usual list of charming characters and a moving end. A must have for any DS owner.

Although it's basically more of the same, this latest Layton outing is the most enjoyable, attractive, addictive and refined one yet. An awesome reminder of why the Nintendo DS remains an essential mobile gaming platform.

More than just being a family friendly puzzle game, there is something of considerable substance and style here for any gamer. In fact the quality of the story telling and difficulty of some puzzles felt more like playing Uncharted than something on a Nintendo console.

For those who enjoyed the first two Layton games, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is a must-have, period. And if you haven't played a Layton game yet, what are you waiting for? This is easily one of the strongest series on DS in every regard, from the brilliantly crafted puzzles to the exquisite art.

Unwound Future isn't innovative or groundbreaking, and what few changes exist are mostly just new puzzle types, but the game and overall story are polished, interesting, and just simply fun. Layton and Luke's adventures will have you playing for a while, and even though the game isn't doing anything new, it avoids ever feeling stale.

It's safe to say that if you're a fan of the franchise, this is a game you absolutely do not want to miss. And if by chance you've yet to experience the series, this enthralling title should offer up all the incentive you need to finally give it a try.

Layton and the Unwound Future is the best title of the franchise so far, packed with new puzzles and an intriguing new story that will take both characters -Layton and Luke- to a new but-not-better future.

It's the Layton series' uniquely endearing atmosphere and the developer's obvious love for its creation that makes this return visit to the good Professor feel like a genuine pleasure, rather than an over-familiar chore.

Bottom line, if Layton didn't float you boat the first time around, nothing is going to change your mind here. But it's definitely worth it for fans to jump back into a world where you can't walk five steps without finding a puzzle to solve.

Not so good as we could expect but better than the most of the puzzle games for Nintendo Ds, Professor Layton and the Lost Future shows a the same structure as the previous chapters: its strenght, but its weakness too.

Amusing mini-games, catchy music and sweet visuals are trademarks of the Layton series – and the third installment is no different. New story and a couple of improvements make this puzzler a great adventure again. [Issue#197]

Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is certainly the best chapter of the entire saga. The puzzles are varied and clever: ideal for fans, perfect for rookies. The script is thrilling and full of twists, while the classic visual and sound style delight the videoplayer.

The third adventure of Professor Layton is the most exciting, complex and surprising up untill now. As long as you don't expect great changes to the formula, this third episode should also be in your Layton collection.

The third 8 out of 10 in a row for the Professor Layton series. There's not much news here, but it's an extremely well-made adventures with great movies and a very charming style that is easy to fall for again and again. Problem solution is clever and the characters memorable. A must for puzzle fans who didn't get tired of the predecessors.

Full of twists and odd plot turns, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is a well put together episode. With 165 puzzles, its as enchanting as ever backgrounds, its appealing story and well directed animated sequences, you can expect hours of fun. Sure, the formula is starting to repeat itself a little. But its magic still works, even though one may find some less well-paced dialogs, and a more "casual"-oriented appeal. They don't interfere with the fun, and that's still a very nice journey to live... through time!

A pretty uneven experience. Most casual fans of the franchise might not feel particularly compelled to venture past the game's sagging midpoint -- but the diehards will be rewarded with a satisfying conclusion that finally shows that, yes, the titular pedagogue has (gasp!) feelings.

Amazing Story, brilliant puzzles. This is indeed the greatest Layton game thus far, the music is amazing, the visuals are amazing (If you likeAmazing Story, brilliant puzzles. This is indeed the greatest Layton game thus far, the music is amazing, the visuals are amazing (If you like the style), and the ending had me in tears. No questions asked, 10/10.…Full Review »

Definitely the strongest of the three Layton games released in the US so far, Unwound Future successfully blends casual puzzle solving alongDefinitely the strongest of the three Layton games released in the US so far, Unwound Future successfully blends casual puzzle solving along with a compelling storyline. The formula hasn't changed an awful lot since the first title, though many subtle improvements to game mechanics and general presentation have been made. Cut scenes and audio files are clearer than ever, with added improvements to the second titles 'memo' function (such as the ability to change ink colour) being of great aid during those more trickier of brain teasers. The pace of the game may be a little too slow for some, though it's not difficult to become captivated by Layton's gorgeous looking surroundings and intrigued by some of the more perplexing mysteries that pop up during the final half of the adventure. Voice acting, be it fitting, can seem incredibly cheesy and at some points fails to aid the experience as it irritates more than captivates.

Hint Coins have almost tripled in numbers since the first title, with the new optional 'Super Hint' function allowing far more users to solve even the most complicated of math puzzles without feeling like you've cheated.

If you enjoyed the first two Layton outings- I cannot recommended this third game enough, as it's certainly the best of the three. Puzzles remain fun and do not detract from the experience as much as they did with Curious Village, with most being optional if players wish to favour the narrative and push on with it instead.…Full Review »

Easily the best of the Layton bunch. The puzzles are as strong as ever, but it is the epic, yet very touching story that elevates this gameEasily the best of the Layton bunch. The puzzles are as strong as ever, but it is the epic, yet very touching story that elevates this game above its immensely charming peers.…Full Review »